UAE condemns Iran-linked drone strike in Iraqi Kurdistan

The United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry said on Tuesday it strongly condemned what it described as an Iranian drone attack targeting the office of the prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan. Officials said the ministry warned the incident could damage regional stability and urged restraint to avoid further escalation.

According to officials, the ministry described the reported strike as destabilising and said it regarded it as a serious development with implications that could extend beyond Iraq. Officials added that the initial statement did not include any casualty figures.

UAE statement attributes responsibility to Iran

Officials said the ministry identified the target as Officials said the ministry identified the target as the prime minister’s office in Iraqi Kurdistan and attributed responsibility for the drone strike to Iran. They said the UAE statement argued that such actions risk widening tensions and could trigger spillover across the region. In its message, officials said the ministry framed the incident as a test of established norms related to how states conduct themselves. Officials also said the UAE warned that if cross-border attacks are not contained, they could increase tensions among Gulf states and neighbouring countries. Diplomatic steps planned, but measures not specified Officials said the UAE intends to advocate a coordinated diplomatic response and plans to raise the matter with regional partners and international bodies. They said the ministry signalled it would seek consultations with regional partners within 72 hours to identify collective next steps.

The United Arab Emirates

However, officials said the statement did not spell out what measures might follow those consultations. They said this left the potential scope and timing of any coordinated response unclear at this stage.

Key uncertainties in the initial release

Officials said the ministry’s initial release did not outline any reactions from other capitals. They also said further updates would be provided as diplomatic steps advance and as discussions with partners and international bodies continue.

For now, officials said the UAE position is centred on condemnation of the reported attack, a call for restraint, and an effort to organise a unified diplomatic approach. Officials added that the ministry’s messaging highlighted the risk that additional cross-border actions could deepen regional tensions.